A ten-year project involving offenders safeguarding the future of the honey bee has been highly commended in a national awards scheme.

Ten offenders from North and West Yorkshire Probation Trusts have been working with members of the Wharfedale Beekeepers Association to develop an apiary on Tarn Moor, Skipton.

They have been learning skills including hedge planting, dry stone walling, but also about work ethic, teamwork and thinking skills.

The association launched the project in January 2011, emphasising education and training for the benefit of beekeeping and the environment.

Now they have been recognised in the 2011 National Offender Management Wildlife Awards.

A similar programme with a new group of offenders has just begun on the site to develop a wildflower meadow, orchard and bee friendly garden.

Simon Croker, chairman of the association and a probation services officer, connected hobby and work to develop the apiary and training project at Tarn Moor.

“Being judged and highly commended for the Community and Outreach Project category is a fantastic achievement for the three lads nominated,” he said.

“They have really made the project their own, working incredibly hard in challenging and cold conditions on an exposed, windy moor. I couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved.”

The site, which was previously used for wheat production, is being transformed by hedge planting, dry stone walls and planting to create a bee paradise.

As part of the project, the offenders undertook on-site training led by Craven College, which enabled them to gain accredited qualifications in health and safety, first aid, dry stone walling and land based rural skills.

Tristan Dudley, 33, a probationer who worked on the project, said: I really enjoyed it. It wasn’t easy going and we had a few problems with the bad weather, but it has all been worth it.

“I have learned new skills, picked up qualifications, work experience and a reference. Being nominated for my work made me feel really proud, but to be commended by the judges is fantastic and makes me feel really positive about the future.”

Dr Phil Thomas, sustainable development manager at the Ministry of Justice, said of the award entry: “I was very impressed with the way offenders are involved on biodiversity within the local community. The developments at Tarn Moor apiary have been immense, providing a special place for the local community.”